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Agenda Agenda - Great Lakes Conference BIC
The Fifty-Seventh Fifty eventh Annual Meeting of the Great Lakes Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church Agenda Send Workers for Witness and Service across the he Great Lakes Conference and nd Beyond “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” - Jesus (Matthew 9:37-38) MARCH 7-8, 7 8, 2014 H O S T E D B Y Union Grove Brethren in Christ Church Nappanee, IN 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2014 Annual Meeting Theme ..........................................................................................................................3 Schedule (Eastern Standard Time) ...................................................................................................................3 General Information for the Annual Meeting..................................................................................................4 Saturday Morning Seminars.............................................................................................................................7 Part I: Organization ............................................................................................................................................. 8 Part II: Board and Team Reports Board of Directors: General Report .............................................................................................................. 10 Board of Directors: Bishop’s Report ............................................................................................................. 11 Board of Directors: Treasurer’s Report ......................................................................................................... 13 Board of Directors: Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 15 Relationship Development Team.................................................................................................................. 16 Congregational Growth Team ....................................................................................................................... 18 Memorial Holiness Camp Meeting ............................................................................................................... 20 Part III: Agencies & Institutions Reporting General Conference Board Report................................................................................................................ 23 Leadership Council ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Brethren in Christ World Missions Report of the Executive Director ........................................................... 24 Equipping for Ministry Report ...................................................................................................................... 26 Brethren in Christ Foundation (BICF) ............................................................................................................ 27 Council for Women in Ministry & Leadership............................................................................................... 28 Messiah College Report ................................................................................................................................ 29 Everence Report............................................................................................................................................ 30 Messiah Lifeways Report .............................................................................................................................. 32 Part IV: Confirmations Confirmation of Trustees of Local Church Property ..................................................................................... 34 Confirmation of Nominees............................................................................................................................ 35 Additional Resources Conference Statistical Report ....................................................................................................................... 36 Conference Financial Report......................................................................................................................... 37 Conference Prayer Calendar ......................................................................................................................... 38 Conference Map ........................................................................................................................................... 39 2 2014 Annual Meeting Theme Send Workers for Witness and Service across the Great Lakes Conference and Beyond. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” - Jesus (Matt. 9:37-38) The 2014 Great Lakes Regional Conference is scheduled to convene Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Nappanee, IN. The meeting is being hosted by the Union Grove Brethren in Christ congregation. Conference meeting will be held at the Union Grove BIC, 69954 County Rd. 11, Nappanee, IN. 46550. Your pastor has already received information concerning the location of the Annual Meeting, directions, and lodging information. Contact your pastor first for this information. The contact at Union Grove Brethren in Christ Church is Pastor Darin Simms: church office phone: (574) 773-4768 or cell phone: 740-424-1286, email: [email protected]. Registration for voting members and honorary guests of the Annual Meeting will begin Friday before the dessert banquet, prior to evening service and again on Saturday morning before the business meeting. According to the Code of Regulations, “The voting membership of the Conference shall consist of the bishop, pastors, ordained and licensed ministers, assigned deacons, duly elected delegates, members of boards, committees and teams of the Conference, the clerical staff, and persons from the Conference serving on General Conference Boards.” Board members whose terms are expiring and persons being confirmed for those positions are eligible to vote. A staffed nursery will be available only during the Friday evening service and business sessions on Saturday. Please pick up your children at lunch time. Please join us for a dessert fellowship from 6:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. on Friday evening. Three seminars will be offered on Saturday morning as part of the business meeting. Delegates and attendees to the Annual Meeting will be able to choose one to attend. The choices are listed on page 4 of this Agenda. You can sign up at the registration desk or email your choice to the conference secretary at: [email protected]. This will help in planning for the seminars. Schedule (Eastern Standard Time) Friday, March 07 9:00am - 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:15pm 8:30pm Board meetings (at Union Grove Brethren in Christ Church) Registration table open Dessert Banquet Conference worship service begins Refreshments & fellowship (Those staying in private homes will meet their hosts) Saturday, March 08 7:45am 8:30am 8:45am 9:35am 9:45am 11:30am 12:30pm 2:00pm Registration table open Conference business meeting begins Seminars (45 minutes in length) Break for 10 minutes Reconvene for business meeting Lunch break Reconvene for business meeting Approximate time of adjournment 3 General Information for the Annual Meeting Meetings of Regional Conference Boards Any regional conference board planning to have a meeting needs to contact the Union Grove conference coordinator to reserve a room. Board meetings can be arranged for Friday morning or afternoon. No meetings are to take place during conference sessions. Some boards reorganize during the lunch hour of the Saturday business meeting. All boards should get a reorganization form from the registration table. Please give these to the conference secretary or return them to the registration table. If a Board does not reorganize at Annual Meeting, the forms should be returned to the Conference Secretary as soon as possible. Boards need to reorganize by mid-April so the new information can be printed in the Minutes of the Annual Meeting. Offering An offering will be collected to cover the costs of Annual Meeting. Please note that this year any money collected over and above $2,000 will go toward resourcing congregations and church planting. For this reason, we invite everyone to give generously. Annual Meeting Sessions All voting members of the Annual Meeting are expected to be present for business sessions. Conference Courtesy For those attending the Annual Meeting, the following information will help facilitate the meeting: A person may speak from the floor of the Annual Meeting only after being recognized by the moderators. That person should stand when addressing the moderators and/or the assembly, identify themselves and use a microphone, if available. On any question being discussed, pros and cons should alternate. If a person makes a motion not already published in the Agenda to the Annual Meeting, that person needs to be prepared to give the motion to the conference secretary in written form. Parliamentary Procedures/Guidelines While Robert’s Rules of Order will be the guide to facilitate parliamentary procedure during the Annual Meeting, it is anticipated that Biblical principles of brotherhood and Christian courtesy will prevail. The following are brief explanations of motions and amendments adapted from generally accepted parliamentary procedures. Motions: A motion must be seconded before it can be discussed, although questions of clarification may be permitted. If no one seconds the motion, it fails for lack of seconding. The mover of the motion may speak to the motion first, in order to allow clarification of the motion. The chair must not allow two separate motions to come before the assembly at the same time except those listed under the Amendments section. Privileged motions take precedence over any other motion; they are not debatable. Once seconded, a privileged motion is voted on immediately. Privileged motions include: a motion to limit 4 discussion, a motion to close discussion, a motion to have an immediate vote (to move the previous question) which ich requires a two thirds majority, a motion to table a motion, and a motion to refer. Amendments: A motion to amend takes precedence over the main motion. After it is seconded, it may be discussed. There may be an amendment to an amendment. However, amendments nts of the third degree are not accepted. An amendment changes one aspect of the main motion. It may not negate the main motion or introduce an entirely new motion. Similarly, an amendment to an amendment may not negate the main idea of the first amendment. amendm Substitute motions normally are difficult to define and are seldom a clear substitute to the proposal. For this reason, substitute motions will probably be treated as an amendment. When an amendment and/or a motion have been lost, the floor may be opened opened for a new motion. Errors, Typographical Errors, etc. in the Agenda As you read this Agenda, if you find any errors, you may bring these to the conference Secretary’s attention either personally or in a note left at the registration table. Those suggestions tions will contribute to the accuracy of the final product that becomes the Annual Meeting Minutes and are much appreciated! Annual Meeting Location Union Grove BIC Church GPS Coordinates: 41.480251, -85.944756 85.944756 69954 County Road 11 Nappanee, IN 46550 5 HOTELS Be sure to tell the hotel that you are with the “Union Grove Church Conference” to secure the negotiated room rate, utilize our reserved block of rooms (at Amish Acres and Comfort Suites), and secure the flat rate (at either of the B&Bs). Comfort Suites Nappanee Inn at Amish Acres 27838 CR 24, Elkhart, IN 574-293-9390 $79.00 + tax 1 king bed or 2 queen beds 2004 W. Market St, Nappanee, IN 574-773-5999 $75.00 + tax 1 king bed Homespun Country Inn (Bed & Breakfast) Victorian Guest House (Bed & Breakfast) 302 E Market St, Nappanee, IN 219-773-4383 $75.00 per room 6 guest rooms, queen-sized bed with private bathroom and breakfast. If no answer leave a message and they will get back to you. Prefer cash or check but will take credit. Non-smoking facility. 302 N. Main Street, Nappanee, IN 574-773-2034 $79.00 + tax 4 guest rooms, includes homemade breakfast, Shamrock Motel 1501 E. Market St., Nappanee, IN 574-773-3193 $55.00 (indoor building); $45.00 (outdoor building) 6 Saturday Morning Seminars Each person attending the Annual Meeting is invited to attend a seminar. The Board of Directors would be pleased to receive your comments on the seminars and suggestions for future topics that you think would be valuable to the Great Lakes Conference. Being Salt In The World In 2014 LEADER Mike Beach – New Vision, WI. DESCRIPTION Come learn how to change the people around you for Christ. Listen to Mike share his stories of failures and victories. Small Groups roups That Love, Learn, Serve & Reach Out! LEADER Vicki Podjasek - New Vision, WI. DESCRIPTION Are your small groups everything that they can and should be? Come and learn how small groups can make a difference in the health, vitality, relationships, outreach and growth of your church! Your groups can thrive as you learn and apply some simple concepts that expand small groups to become much more than a weekly Bible study. Ministry to the Middle LEADER Sheila Tyson – Ashland, OH. DESCRIPTION A migratory consumer nature and disillusionment with "church" and organized religion are several things that have been blamed for the exodus and/or lack of Generations X, Y, and Millennials in churches in recent years. Instead of lamenting the loss, pointing pointi fingers, or searching for the perfect formula to entice these lost generations to return to the Church, let's do something about it! Join us for a picture of and discussion about what vital ministry to and by those generations looks like. You may sign up for your seminar choice via email to [email protected] or at the registration table. 7 Part I: Organization A. Registration of Moderators and Clerical Staff Moderator .............................................................................................................................................. John Zuck Assistant Moderator ............................................................................................................................ Craig Sipes Secretary ............................................................................................................................................ Cal Hamblin Recording Secretary ........................................................................................................................ Sheri Simpson Assistant Recording Secretary ........................................................................................................ Chuck Burkett Tellers ......................................................................................David Weisel & ___________________________ Pages ......................................................................................... Zach Spidel & ___________________________ B. Registration of Delegates Illinois Bridge@Beans – ____________________________________ Morrison – Dan Rinker, Lisa Rinker Indiana Christian Union – ____________________________________ Mt. Zion – ____________________________________ Nappanee – Charlene Flowers, Sabina Rosentrater, Theresa Prather Union Grove – Bernie Weldy, Heather Stump Michigan Bethel (Merrill) – Carmen Lang Bethel Community – ____________________________________ Carland Zion – Bobbie Stanton, David Stanton Christ Community ETC - ____________________________________ Lakeview Community – Leonard Community – Steve Porter Mooretown – ____________________________________ Ohio Amherst – Daniel Glick, Helen Glick, Atlee Hershberger, Janet Hershberger, Malinda Oakes Ashland – Gail Steigerwalt, Joel Steigerwalt Alternate: Kathy Tyson Dayton – Chad Chafin Alternate: Bobbi Hatfield Dayton Mission – ____________________________________ Fairview – Stan Brubaker, Georgette Hall, Deb Logan, Kent Logan, Lyn Mosher Gethsemane – Shirley Sue Duncan, Judy Pratt Alternates: Sue Lehman, Fred Lehman Highland – ____________________________________ King of Glory – Kim Peel, Wayne Peel Alternates: Jason Honeycutt, Monica Honeycutt Pleasant Hill – Gail Bulach, Lynne Kershner, Samantha Weaver Alternates: Clay Shade, Eunice Steinbrecher Valley Chapel – ____________________________________ Westside Christian Community – Beth Saba Western Hills – ____________________________________ Wisconsin Blessed Hope – ____________________________________ New Vision – Dori Reynolds, Vicki Podjasek, Cheryl Moore Alternate: Mike Beach 8 C. Registration of Boards, Teams, and Other Personnel Board of Directors John Zuck, Bishop, David Espinosa, Craig Sipes, Cal Hamblin, Sheila Tyson, Jack Steele, Sheri Simpson, David Weisel Congregational Growth Team Mark Ballard, Keith Tyson, Mike Beach, Jon Grimshaw, Jim Lang, Greg Laudermilt, Darin Simms Relationship Development Team Daniel Rossi, Winnie Knepper, Tanya Bundenthal, Chuck Burkett, Atlee Hershberger, Zach Spidell, Barbara Stansfield, John Weaver Memorial Holiness Camp Management Team Todd Hammond, Tim Agnolutto, Bev Drusen, Dawn Dubose, Ron Niesley General Conference Board Representative David Espinosa MCC Great Lakes Board of Directors Representative Cynthia Weisel Messiah College Board of Trustees Representative Eunice Steinbrecher Personnel Secretary Winnie Knepper Director of Quizzing Jeff Williams D. Seating of Honorary Members E. Instructions in Rules of Order F. Presentation of the 2013 Great Lakes Conference Minutes 9 Part II: Board and Team Reports Board of Directors: General Report Highlights of the work of the Board of Directors this past year include: 1. Reviewed and acted on information from teams, requests from churches, and current church property agreements or leases. 2. Implemented Repairs to and Re-listed ‘for sale’ Noblesville, IN. properties with local area Realtor 3. Submitted in excess of $137,000 towards the ‘underfunded’ Defined Benefits portion of the BIC Ministers’ Pension Fund. 4. Approved GLC Internship Guidelines and the funding of four (4) participants (Ashland, Fairview, Nappanee, and Westside) 5. Reviewed CODE OF REGULATIONS and developed recommendations to present to Great Lakes Annual Meeting (see Recommendations) The Nominating Committee for 2014 Wisconsin-Illinois: Vicki Podjasek (New Vision) Michiana: Jeff Williams (Nappanee) Michigan: Rose Borst (Carland-Zion) Northern Ohio: Bill Moore (Ashland) Southern Ohio: Jean Paulus (Highland) MHC Management Team The Memorial Holiness Camp Management Team was approved by the Board of Directors as follows: Todd Hammond - Director (2015) Beverly Drusen - (2016) Tim Agnolutto (2015) Dawn Dubose (2016) Ron Niesley - Treasurer (2017) Cal Hamblin GLC Secretary 10 Board of Directors: Bishop’s Report As I reflect on 2013 in the context of the nearly ten years of my oversight of the Great Lakes Conference, I wish to express my thanks to a tremendous team of Pastors and leaders across our five states, most serving sacrificially as volunteers or in bi-vocational roles. While each congregation is different from any other, each in a unique way is contributing to an “EXPANDING MOSAIC OF CHURCHES, ALL SEEING LIVES TRANSFORMED BY JESUS CHRIST!” (Vision 2020 BIC Church US) I am often amazed by the stories I hear and only eternity will reveal the full impact of these faithful communities. I believe we are grasping to a greater degree our Great Lakes Conference vision articulated more than a decade ago, “Every person reaching people for Jesus Christ by developing a framework of community that encourages growing, discipling and sending congregations.” For 2013 our challenging theme has been, “Leading – Life Transformation & Multiplied Sites!” In the area of Multiplied Sites, it was disappointing to close Gospel Life, Des Plaines, IL in June, but the drain on Jeff and Michelle Foster became unsustainable over time without a supporting mechanism close by and lack of developing leaders from their ministry. However, in email and telephone communications with the Fosters late in the year, it was encouraging to hear of families and individuals impacted by Gospel Life that continue to follow and serve Christ in other fellowships. Further, there are two developing sites: Fairview, OH 2nd Site – “The Shepherd’s Table” located in a needy area of East Dayton, OH Christ Community ETC (Evangelism, Transformation, Community) in Owosso, MI Combined, these two new sites reported eleven persons baptized in the 2nd half of 2013! An exciting development in Leading – Life Transformation is the implementation of our Great Lakes Conference Internship Ministry as our conference has provided a matching grant to four congregations for twelve months. Two young women and two young men are now gaining experience in leadership/ministry contributing toward life transformation in these congregations and communities. The four interns now serving are: Andrew Beach serving in youth ministry at Ashland, OH Eryca Testerment serving in youth ministry at Westside Christian Community in Springfield, OH Malitsa Yataganellis coordinating youth ministry at Fairview, Englewood, OH & The Shepherd’s Table, East Dayton, OH Nathan Rosentrater serving in youth ministry and Pastoral Assistance at Nappanee, IN Our goal is to involve more emerging leaders and congregations in this mutually beneficial ministry. In our conference’s continuing effort to resource pastors, leaders and congregations for growth, Spring and Fall Cluster gatherings in our five cluster areas have focused on the role of risk in leadership and the book, Cure for the Common Church, God’s Plan to Restore Church Health, by Bob Whitsel. In August, forty pastors and leaders participated in the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit at ten different sites across six states. This group of twenty pastors and twenty leaders is the largest group to date to participate in this leadership training event! Our September Pastors/Spouses Retreat focused on Creativity in Ministry with Pastor Galen Oakes serving as primary resource person. Ten congregations have taken advantage of the Brethren in Christ Foundation (BICF) New Outreach 50% Matching Grant: Fairview, OH – PowerZone outreach in the park Christ Community ETC., MI – Family Day/Self Defense class/Kingdom Fest & Paint Ball outreach Bethel (Merrill) MI – VBS Ministry Mooretown, MI – After the Game 5th Quarter Sports Outreach Amherst, OH – Western Sunday outreach 11 Shepherd’s Table, OH – PowerZone outreach in East Dayton Nappanee, IN – outreach to local apartment residents Highland, OH – “Elvis” outreach concert King of Glory, OH – “We Care Ministry” to 18 year olds just released from prison Carland-Zion, MI – Heartfelt Hands Ministry outreach through massage ministry Lakeview, MI – MOPS & special speaker Pleasant Hill, OH – Living nativity outreach I would like to see every congregation across the conference take advantage of this 75% subsidy on any new outreach enabling a congregation to do up to $2,000 of new outreach for only $500! Throughout the year, I have enjoyed team partnership through meeting with all of our pastors and visiting/speaking in all but one of our congregations, plus many leadership team meetings, Pastoral Mid-Term and End-of-Term reviews. In January, Pastor Paul Eberhard submitted his resignation after ten years of ministry at Mooretown, MI. Following nine Pastoral Search Committee meetings, (seven by telephone) Pastor Brad Gniewek was installed in August. Pastor Dale McCabe submitted his resignation to the Gethsemane, OH Church Board in September and the congregation has been served by interim pulpit while the pastoral search continues. Memorial Holiness Camp celebrated seventy years of ministry to the Great Lakes Conference and beyond this year. It was a great week of balanced celebration of reflection and future projection with slightly increased participation. The conference has been challenged this year through the former White Rock property that was sold by land contract in 2007 and reverted back to the conference in late 2012. This has resulted in a tremendous amount of time invested in rental arrangements, maintaining/repairing the facility and working with an attorney & Realtor to list the property for sale. As of December 2013 a purchase agreement has been signed, however, negotiations continue with the possibility of closing the sale early in 2014. In denominational meetings, fourteen days plus travel have been invested in Pennsylvania serving in Leadership Council, General Conference Board, Consultation on Scripture, New Pastors Orientation and STEP interaction. This has been the 1st full year that my oversight has extended to five states beyond the Great Lakes Conference to the English speaking congregations of the Southeast Conference. This amounts to approximately 1/3 of my time that is devoted to ministry in the Southeast Conference. In order to serve this broad geographic area, I am combining the maximum number of meetings per trip and I’ve become more arbitrary in setting meetings, plus I’m making use of conference calls and emails as much as possible. Thanks to pastors, leaders and congregations for your understanding. I express special thanks to my Administrative Assistant, Todd Hammond, for his faithful service enabling me to serve across two conferences. While he serves in the office only fifteen hours weekly, he does an excellent job of assisting me as I am traveling much of the time. Further thanks is emphatically expressed to my wife, Connie, who endures many hours of traveling across many states and multiple days at home while I’m traveling and participating in numerous meetings. As we proceed through 2014, my vision is for two more 2nd sites/new church plantings, four more interns serving in local congregations, all congregations using the BICF & Great Lakes Conference Grants for New Outreach and that every congregation grow in persons ministered to, discipled and sent for witness and service across the Great Lakes Conference and beyond. Ultimately, my vision is that God be honored through the advancement of His Kingdom across the Great Lakes Conference and beyond! In partnership and prayer in Christ, Bishop John Zuck GLC Bishop 12 Board of Directors: Treasurer’s Report Balance Sheet 2013-2012 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 1010 · Checking-US Bank 1011 · Savings-US Bank 1021 · TAP - WMCC Funds (Restricted) 1030 · TAP - Money Market 1035 · Great Lakes Conf.Capital (TAP) 1030 · TAP - Money Market - Other Total 1030 · TAP - Money Market Total Checking/Savings Other Current Assets 1200 · Consolidated Reserve- BiC F Total Other Current Assets Total Current Assets Other Assets 1270 · Notes Receivable 1272 · New Vision 1275 · Blessed Hope 1277 · Note Rec-Mortg WMCC (COG) Total 1270 · Notes Receivable Total Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Long Term Liabilities 2100 · Mortgage Paybl-White Rock Prop. 2102 · OWDA--WMCC loan Total Long Term Liabilities Total Liabilities Equity 3010 · Excess(Revenues)Expense 3020 · Consolidated Reserve Fund 3040 · Reserve Interest Fund 3050 · Great Lakes Conf.Capital (TAP) 3060 · RDT (BCL) Program Subsidy Fund 3070 · Scholarship & Training Fund 3095 · Church Plant Lending Fund 3120 · Board of Directors 3130 · Relationship Development Team 3135 · Quiz Pool Fund 3130 · Relationship Development Team - Other Total 3130 · Relationship Development Team 3140 · Congregational Growth Team 3150 · Contingency Fund 3200 · Equity in White Rock Property 13 Dec 31, 13 11,265.63 42,004.42 301,001.24 231,369.66 10,771.94 242,141.60 596,412.89 523,742.99 523,742.99 1,120,155.88 25,000.00 97,600.00 800,000.00 922,600.00 922,600.00 2,042,755.88 492,028.43 72,639.87 564,668.30 564,668.30 -27,022.76 523,742.99 16,678.00 219,967.68 50,000.00 40,000.00 301,321.11 -56,620.90 190.00 1,119.22 1,309.22 8,064.25 231,172.34 -658,793.73 3202 · Equity in WMCC 3900 · Retained Earnings Net Income Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 800,000.00 800.00 27,469.38 1,478,087.58 2,042,755.88 REVENUE AND EXPENSE STATEMENT 2013 Income 4010 · CM Funding-Shared 4020 · Designated CM Funding 4050 · Direct Contributions 4062 · Interest Income 4070 · Other Conference Income 4071-1 · Rent-White Rock Church 4074 · Payment-WMCC Land Contract Total 4070 · Other Conference Income Total Income Expense 5001 · Cooperative Ministries 5020 · Conference Agenda 5030 · Conference Minutes 5031 · Bank Service Charge 5040 · Conference Hosting 5050 · Teen/Youth Camping 5054 · Training/Resourcing 5065 · Honorarium 5066 · Insurance 5080 · West Milton Christian Center 5090 · Meals 5110 · Mileage 5150 · Office Expense 5160 · Office Supplies 5170 · Professional Services 5180 · Promotion/Advertising 5210 · Retreats 5214 · White Rock Loan Interest 5381 · Repairs and Maintenance 5382 · Real Estate Taxes 6001 · BIC Pension Fund Shortfall Total Expense Net Income White Rock (BOD) WMCC (BOD) BOD Other (BOD) Total BOD 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7,669.52 82.00 1,987.92 165.35 7,669.52 82.00 1,987.92 165.35 17,870.00 0.00 17,870.00 17,870.00 0.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 100,000.00 1,525.00 0.00 1,525.00 11,429.79 19,395.00 100,000.00 119,395.00 129,299.79 0.00 10,000.00 0.00 233.46 0.00 700.56 0.00 2.00 0.00 655.77 0.00 485.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,400.00 0.00 5,888.91 -19,841.78 11,622.45 0.00 95.09 0.00 254.24 0.00 1,991.55 0.00 233.59 0.00 0.00 0.00 211.90 0.00 6,755.47 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 136,190.00 -19,841.78 176,719.99 119,841.78 -165,290.20 10,000.00 233.46 700.56 2.00 655.77 485.00 0.00 1,400.00 5,888.91 -8,219.33 95.09 254.24 1,991.55 233.59 990.00 211.90 6,755.47 21,336.11 2,578.01 4,138.36 136,190.00 185,920.69 -56,620.90 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 990.00 0.00 0.00 21,336.11 2,578.01 4,138.36 0.00 29,042.48 -11,172.48 Respectfully submitted, Sheri Simpson GLC Treasurer 14 Board of Directors: Recommendations Recommendation 1: Date & Place of Next Annual Meeting The Board of Directors recommends that the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Great Lakes conference be hosted by the Morrison BIC congregation in Morrison, IL. on Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, 2015. Recommendation 2: Use of Budgeted CM Shared Fund Cooperative Ministries shared funds anticipated for 2014 will be allocated on a percentage basis to the Board of Directors (30%), Relationship Development Team (15%), and Congregational Growth Team (55%) Recommendation 3: Action on Referred Motion Actions from 2013 Annual Meeting: 1. Motion that half of our 2012 Net Income be given to Cooperative Ministries Mover: Ron Niesley | Second: Zach Spidel | Action: TABLED 2. Motion to table discussion of Motion 1 Mover: Darin Simms | Second: Jon Grimshaw | Action: APPROVED 3. Motion to refer Motion 1 to BOD who will bring a recommendation back to 2014 Annual Meeting. Mover: Todd Hammond | Second: Jon Grimshaw | Action: APPROVED BOD Response: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the GLC is committed to meeting our conference’s share of the ‘under-funding’ of the Defined Benefits portion of the Ministers Pension Fund and has contributed in excess of $137,000 in this current year (2013), and, WHEREAS, the GLC has a fiduciary responsibility to maintain adequate funds to cover possible defaulted loans and related property expenses within the conference, and, WHEREAS, the GLC has a primary emphasis on Leadership Development which requires the expenditure of funds, and, WHEREAS, the GLC is currently experiencing a deficit of funding available for fulfilling the Great Commission through resourcing Pastors and Congregations for growth and Planting New Churches, and WHEREAS, the GLC is already contributing 10% of funds to Cooperative Ministries (CM) from the Sale of West Milton Christian Center, Oak Hill, and Noblesville (subject to sale), IT IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT: Local congregations examine their local giving to cooperative ministries (CM) and comply with the denominational encouragement of a minimum of 10% giving to CM. Recommendation 4: Revisions to Code of Regulations Items to be removed are shown below as strikeout. Items to be added are show in boldface underlined. Revision #1 PART III, SECTION 2. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS (a) THE PRESIDENT (5) Shall be amenable to the General Conference Board of the General Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church by way of the General Conference Moderator National Director of the BIC church U.S. 15 Revision #2 PART IV, SECTION 2 FUNCTIONS AND REPRESENTATION (c) Members of The Conference serving on General Conference boards and commissions shall be included as ex officio members of corresponding Regional Conference boards. Revision #3 PART V, ARTICLE I, SECTION 3. DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (g) In the event of a situation arising which demands action during the conference year, such consideration shall be given and such action taken as may be deemed necessary by The Conference Board of Directors. Such an emergency action shall be reported to the next Annual Meeting of the Regional Meeting Conference. Revision #4 PART V, ARTICLE II, Relationship Development Team SECTION 4: Duties: 4. Point persons shall coordinate the and lead sub groups and report to the Relationship Development Team for affirmation and action. Relationship Development Team General Report The relationship Development Team is composed of Chuck Burkett (Secretary), Tanya Bundenthal, Atlee Hershberger, Winnie Knepper, Luann Robinson (ex officio), Daniele Rossi (Chairperson), Zach Spidel, Barb Stansfield , John Weaver, Jeff Williams (ex officio),.Bishop John Zuck (ex officio). The Relationship Development Team is formed to promote and develop relationship enhancing activities between congregations within Great Lakes Conference. We met three times in 2013. Ministry to Youth Tanya Bundenthal and Zach Spidel gave leadership to this part of the team's work. Events included Spring Retreat at Fairview BIC during 2013 Annual Meeting. We also arranged the MHC Youth Camp. Both were led by Tim Agnolutto & Beth Lambright. Ministries to Older Adults Barb Stansfield &Winnie Knepper gave leadership to this part of our work. The Autumn Retreat hosted 25 people, Glenn Ginder spoke. This year's Autumn retreat will be September 16-18, 2014. Subsidies are available. Special Interests and Events Karen Dohner gave leadership here. RDT provides subsidies for Conference events intended to enhance fellowship between congregations. Chuck Burkett, RDT Secretary 16 Bible Quizzing Report The 2012-2013 quiz year began with three churches studying the book of Matthew. Two teams made it to Regional Finals which were held at the Nappanee BIC Church in Indiana on May 25, 2013. Since there were only two teams, only one could go on to Denominational Finals. That team was Mooretown with New Vision coming in second. Denominationals were held in Carlisle, PA July 12-15, 2013. There was a lot of great quizzing. In the current 2013-2014 quiz year, our quizzers are studying the books of Romans and James. We have just one church (New Vision) fielding a senior quiz team. It will represent the conference at denominational finals at General Conference this July. We did have three churches participate in junior quizzing (Nappanee, New Vision, Pleasant Hill). All the quizzers met at New Vision in early December. On January 11th, the junior quiz season ended when the quizzers met again at Nappanee. It was so encouraging to watch these children (ages 8-11) compete. It is exciting to think about these young Jesus-followers developing great spiritual habits/disciplines at such a young age! We are excited about the quizzing program New Vision is running but are concerned about the lack of senior quiz teams in our conference. Of course, in a small conference like ours, with many small churches, we understand that not every church has enough teenagers to field a quiz team. There is also the fact that Bible quizzing is a ministry that is shrinking across denominational lines. The time is soon coming when we will have to decide whether Bible quizzing is a ministry worth preserving. For some, it is probably seen as outdated and even incompatible with more contemporary youth ministry strategies. Bible quizzing, in our opinion, remains an essential ministry of the church. It provides a setting for youth discipleship – discipleship that includes real training in real spiritual disciplines (Bible memorization, meditation, Bible study). It creates conference-wide and nation-wide friendships with other BIC youth. It helps our children learn an incredible number of verses, chapters, and even books of the Bible. It is a unique, BIC ministry that our church can offer that many other churches do not offer. We would not presume to say that there are no other ministries which could do all of these things, but if there are, we are not aware of them. We believe that if Bible quizzing does end up dying in our conference and in our denomination, we will be the weaker for it. Next season, we will be studying the book of Acts. We would encourage each church in our conference to consider whether there are children/teens (ages 8-19) who would benefit from Bible quizzing. Even if you are unable to field an entire team (whether because you don’t have enough quizzers or because you don’t have a willing adult leader), you can have 1-2 quizzers join teams from other churches in our conference. We will do whatever we can to work with you to enable any interested child/teen to participate in Bible quizzing. If you have interest, or if you have questions regarding Bible quizzing, please feel free to contact our new regional director, Jeff Williams ([email protected]). Finally, I (Jeff) would like to thank Luann Robinson for her many years of service as our regional quiz director. In serving as our quiz director, she has volunteered her time to serve our children, our conference, and God’s Kingdom. Thank you, Luann! Luann Robinson and Jeff Williams Regional Quiz Directors 17 Financial Report Income 4010 · CM Funding-Shared 4040 · Program Income 4050 · Direct Contributions Total Income Expense 5065 · Honorarium 5110 · Mileage 5130 · Miscellaneous 5150 · Office Expense 5190 · Quizzing Expense 5210 · Retreats 5211 · RDT Grants and Subsidies Total Expense Net Income 3,834.76 4,195.00 120.00 8,149.76 400.00 1,122.69 18.62 11.32 132.59 4,145.32 1,200.00 7,030.54 1,119.22 Congregational Growth Team General Report The Great Lakes Conference (GLC) Congregational Growth Team (CGT) seeks to carry out the Great Commission in the conference by vision casting and resourcing. This helps to insure that all GLC congregations grow in health, effectiveness and numbers. The CGT met two times in 2013 to promote true congregational growth. Resourcing There are many opportunities for training and education for pastors and other church leaders. Unfortunately, for many (if not all) of the congregations in the Great Lakes, the cost of these wonderful resources is beyond their financial capabilities. It is for this reason that CGT provides funds to make many of these opportunities into realities. In 2013 these resources included: Workshops at Annual Meeting, Memorial Holiness Camp and BIC Impact Courses. The Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit (GLS) – this two day conference is very encouraging and an effective training tool for leaders. CGT provides full funding to all GLC pastors and board/team members and half funding for up to two leaders from each congregation. It seems that each year the record number of GLC leaders from the previous year who attend the Summit is surpassed. This was certainly the case again in 2013 when 40 GLC pastors and leaders were in attendance at the GLS. The CGT also provides membership in the Willow Creek Association (WCA) for all churches who choose to participate. This membership provides many valuable resources and steep discounts and is money well spent. The Brethren in Christ Foundation (BICF) provides $1000 matching grants for congregations who step out with outreach ministries. CGT provides $500 toward the church’s $1000 contribution which means that with a $500 investment, a GLC congregation will receive $1500 more for a Great Commission effort. Fourteen GLC congregations took advantage of this wonderful opportunity in 2013 – another record number. CGT initiated a new ministry intern program in 2013 by providing matching fund for interns for up to a year. Four congregations participated out of the gate and more are in the works.. 18 Church Planting As the oversight team for church planting the CGT provides leadership in three areas. 1) Providing funds, administrative and spiritual help as needed for existing church plants. 2) Training and supporting church planters and church plant churches. 3) Setting vision and making projections and plans for future church planting projects. CGT continued to provide funding, oversight and/or encouragement for existing church expansion in 2013 for: Shepherd’s Table, Fairview’s Second Site in East Dayton, Zach Spidel continues with determination and effectiveness in a difficult section of the city and is working at promoting intentional community. Christ Community ETC in Owasso, Michigan is a church for young adults who are increasingly marginalized by the church. Tim and Stephanie Decker are steadily growing this ministry leaning on the Holy Spirit and learning as they go. Gospel Life in Des Plaines, IL, where Pastor Jeff Foster and wife Michelle gave leadership to a multicultural and diverse community, sadly failed to take root and the effort was discontinued in 2013. Future Opportunities CGT examines where to plant churches, when to plant churches and who should plant churches. We also continue to list our interest in part time church planters on the BIC website for various demographic areas in the conference. Fairview is investigating a third site and Ashland is still seeking the right timing and leadership for a daughter church or second a site. CGT will continue to trumpet Great Commission for the Great Lakes Conference as we seek to share the heart of the good news for the heart of America and beyond. Thank you for your continued partnership and prayerful support. In Christ, Keith A. Tyson CGT Secretary Financial Report Income 4010 · CM Funding-Shared 4020 · Designated CM Funding 4030 · General Conference ECP 4040 · Program Income 4050 · Direct Contributions Total Income Expense 5054 · Training/Resourcing 5090 · Meals 5110 · Mileage 5130 · Miscellaneous 5215 · Church Plant Subsidies 5216 · Subsidy-Des Plaines, IL 5218 · Subsidy-Fairview Church 5219 · Subsidy-Christ Community etc 5215 · Church Plant Subsidies - Other Total 5215 · Church Plant Subsidies Total Expense Net Income 19 14,060.79 3,689.80 14,166.63 2,248.83 23,105.48 57,271.53 19,254.66 39.92 866.70 746.00 5,000.00 11,000.00 11,300.00 1,000.00 28,300.00 49,207.28 8,064.25 Memorial Holiness Camp Meeting General Report Memorial Holiness Camp celebrated its 70th year from July 19-27th, 2013 at the Church of God Campgrounds (formerly the West Milton Christian Center) near West Milton, Ohio. The week featured a wonderful celebration of the ministry of Memorial Holiness Camp over the past 70 years as well as a forward focused emphasis on encouraging future generations in their Christian journeys. Throughout the week camp activities included prayer times, Bible study, wonderful meals, outdoor activities and time to reconnect with each other and, more importantly, with God. This year’s featured speakers were Zach Spidel, Pastor of The Shepherd’s Table, a 2nd Site of the Fairview BIC, and John Yeatts, Professor Emeritus of Messiah College and now Senior Pastor of the Grantham BIC, in Grantham, Pennsylvania. The week began with a retrospective on the history of camp meetings in general and Memorial Holiness Camp in particular by John Yeatts whose own life was influenced by Memorial Holiness Camp as a young person. Throughout the week, evening services focused on challenging messages from our two speakers and included a variety of musical offerings from family groups and others representing a diverse sampling of musical styles from the past and present. The statistics for this year’s Memorial Holiness Camp were positive. Average evening worship was 163 – up 20 persons from last year. Combined attendance at the children’s camps was more than double last year. The new Young Adult Camp brought recent high school graduates back to Memorial Holiness Camp for the first time. Youth camp, combined with the new Young Adult camp, showed an increase in attendance of 4 over last year. $20,287 was raised for the ongoing ministry of Memorial Holiness Camp as well as $6,382 being given for World Missions and GLC training. While the above statistics are impressive, Memorial Holiness Camp’s ongoing ministry is best summed up in one number that does not appear in the annual summary – the lives changes because of Memorial Holiness Camp. At this year’s Memorial Holiness Camp, eleven persons gave their lives to Christ for the first time and others who recommitted their lives to Him. Please make plans to attend this year’s Memorial Holiness Camp from July 18-26th at the Church of God Campgrounds. This year’s theme is “A Manner Worthy of the Gospel” and is based on Phil. 1:27. Our featured speaker will be John Hawbaker who has served as both a pastor and as Bishop of the Susquehanna & Allegheny Conferences before joining BIC World Missions full-time as Director of Missional Development and Director of the Missionary Development Program. In addition, he also served as Camp Meeting Director of Roxbury Holiness Camp Meeting for 35 years, a role he concluded in December 2012. We look forward to seeing you in July for this week of renewal and inspiration. Respectfully submitted, Todd Hammond MHC Director 20 Financial Report RECEIPTS General Offerings/Donations Meal Donations Lodging Snack Bar Camp Portion of Auction Total Receipts For Operations Operations Total 25,908.21 25,908.21 22,369.49 980.68 1,100.00 944.71 513.33 Missions - BIC World Missions Church Planting - GLC & EOTK Children's Missions Offerings Total Receipts For Missions 3,969.96 2,208.87 18.13 Youth Receipts – Registrations 5,215.00 5,215.00 270.00 270.00 Young Adults – Registrations 6,196.96 TOTAL RECEIPTS DISBURSEMENTS Honoraria Travel Allowance Kitchen Church of God - Camp Utilities Church of God - Golf Carts, Supplies & Misc Children's Ministry Cabin Rentals to Former Owners Snack Bar Camp Computer Supplies & Misc Total Costs Of Operations 25,908.21 37,590.17 17,846.94 17,846.94 6,889.91 1,170.00 4,218.02 1,848.54 1,000.00 240.77 924.00 672.47 579.99 303.24 Missions - BIC World Missions Church Planting - GLC & EOTK Children's Missions Offering - EOTK Total Disbursements For Missions 3,969.96 2,208.87 18.13 Youth Camp Activities & Related 4,943.29 4,943.29 Young Adult Activities & Supplies 350.93 350.93 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS NET 2013 ACTIVITY (Receipts in Excess of Disbursements) 21 6,196.96 17,846.94 29,338.12 8,061.27 8,252.05 Fund Balances General Fund Balance at 1/1/13 Youth Fund Balance at 1/1/13 Special Fund Balance at 1/1/13 11,581.10 1,872.11 63.55 TOTAL General Fund Net 2013 Activity Youth Fund Net 2013 Activity Special Fund Net 2013 Activity 13,516.76 7,980.34 271.71 - TOTAL General Fund Balance at End of Year Youth Fund Balance at End of Year Special Fund Balance at End of Year 8,252.05 19,561.44 2,143.82 63.55 TOTAL FUND BALANCES AT END OF YEAR 22 21,768.81 Part III: Agencies & Institutions Reporting General Conference Board Report The General Conference Board (G.C.B.) is a fourteen member board that is composed by the National Director, Treasurer, one member from each conference and five at large within the denomination. The principal function of G.C.B. is to give leadership in setting policies. The policies then, give guidance to Leadership Council (LC) whose main purpose is the administration of the church. Leadership Council is comprised of the National Director, Treasurer, Bishops and Executive Directors. Change is never easy and we were in the midst of many changes in 2013. Some of those changes at the general church level were to consolidate the Moderator and General Secretary into one position therefore creating the National Director position. With that in mind the next leader to be selected would therefore need a unique skill set and ability to navigate the position. Last year at this time I communicated the search for the National Director, with the goal of a new leader in place by August 1, 2013. A search committee was formed and interviews began in December of 2012 and went into the month of January 2013. After careful thought, prayer and analysis the search committee unanimously concluded the next leader to lead us is Alan Robinson. Alan was Pastor of the Carlisle Church in the Susquehanna conference for over a decade. Alan brings great knowledge and passion and he led Carlisle in tremendous growth and fruitfulness. In previous years I served with Alan on various boards and Alan brings great experience and wisdom to now lead us. Alan has a wonderful heart and exemplifies the mind and heart of Christ. Let us welcome and pray with and for Alan as he leads us into the future. It is at this time that I would like to honor Warren for over three decades of faithful service to the Brethren in Christ. Warren served in capacities as Pastor, Bishop, General Secretary and Moderator. For over fifteen years Warren led us with great passion and direction as the church grew exponentially under his leadership. Warren has had a servant’s heart as God called him to different positions in times of his life. He demonstrated a character of obedience but more importantly an attitude of submission to the Holy Spirit to ultimately to do God’s will. We are grateful to have had such a leader in our midst we give thanks to him and ultimately to God. Well done good and faithful servant. The decision to merge the two general church leaders into one was just one of the challenges that faced the church. The economic times have been tough on us all and especially that of the church. The pension underfunding has been a daunting challenge. It was decided that we would all contribute in the process to help eliminate the underfunding. It is a commitment that we want to honor those pastors before us and those that are currently in the plan. Each conference was given a designated amount and I am happy to report that the Great Lakes Conference has paid off in full the amount of our portion to the underfunding. Let us continue to pray that we may extinguish the underfunding totally. As God as our helper let us stay focused on the task at hand and firm on our convictions and trust God that he will carry us through this crisis. As I conclude this report, it is exciting to see all that God has done for us, but I believe it is amazing to dream what the Lord has in mind next for us as we journey together into the future as I believe greater days are ahead us as continue expanding the Kingdom. Let us join together as we eagerly await the Spirit’s direction. It is an honor to serve the church in this capacity. Blessings, David Espinosa Great Lakes Conference Representative to General Conference Board 23 Leadership Council Please pick up a copy of this report at the GLC 2014 Annual Meeting registration table. MCC Great Lakes Board of Directors Report The MCC GL Board Members come from several Mennonite Conferences, the African-American Mennonite Association, the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches, the Amish, and the Brethren In Christ. As a Board we monitor policies, brainstorm how to increase the involvement of the various groups within the MCC GL region, and hear updates on the various MCC programs. In 2013, a challenge to the Board was for 100% of the Board members to be “donors of record” and also attend MCC functions. During 2013 the Board was able to bring all the GL MCC staff to the FTE level they were at prior to the decrease, which the staff graciously accepted instead of layoffs, a year ago due to the economy. In 2014, the MCC Annual Gathering will be in 3 different locations. Previously the Annual Gathering was in one location and the attendance was mainly from the people in that specific location. This year there will be a gathering in Illinois for Illinois/Wisconsin, in Indiana and in Ohio and are being scheduled for a day or two during May 3-11. We hope this will increase the attendance and also increase the exposure and excitement for the work of MCC. Please feel free to attend the gathering in your area as there will be a guest speaker from Haiti, interesting workshops, and updates by MCC staff. Cynthia Weisel GLC Representative to the MCC Great Lakes Board Brethren in Christ World Missions Report of the Executive Director As I reflect on the last year, I think it can best be described as a “whirlwind!” Much is taking place in the life of BICWM, and the anticipation continues to build of what is in store for the global arm of the BIC Church, US. In January 2013, I attended the Council of Anabaptist Global Ministries Summit in Chicago. As vice-chair of this organization, I participated in thought-provoking discussions regarding the changing life of the North American Anabaptist community. Like the Brethren in Christ Church, other sister denominations face similar challenges as we do in addressing the changing face of our world today - financial challenges, staffing issues, etc. At this summit, Dr. John and Esther Spurrier were featured and given an award for their impactful missionary service of more than 40 years on the field. It was a wonderful time of honoring and celebrating their ministry in Zambia. A milestone occurred in April 2013, as Bishop Aner Morejon (Southeast Conference), Don McNiven (Executive Director of IBICA), and I finalized a three-way ministry partnership. Much work has been done behind the scenes to effectively put in place this visionary effort of collaboration and partnership to work toward strategy, structure, and vision development throughout our Latin American churches and conferences. We have appointed three Regional Coordinators for the Latin American region that will help in building relationships, networking the BIC identity, and providing avenues to receive training and eventually credentialing for Latin American pastors. We are very blessed to have these leaders on board in these roles: Dr. Alex Alvarado - Regional Coordinator to Central America. Alex is the founder and senior pastor of Ciudad de Dios Church in San Jose, Costa Rica. An author and international teacher focusing on 24 discipleship and leadership training, Alex is well-equipped and brings a wealth of experience to the BICWM team. Rev. Constain Carrillo - Regional Coordinator to the Caribbean (Including Cuba and the Dominican Republic). Constain has served as a pastor in the Southeast Conference, and has 15 years of experience in ministry throughout Latin America. Dr. Maria Caridad Perdomo - Regional Coordinator to South America. Maria has pastoral, administrative and global experience in several regions in Latin America. Maria is the founder and president of Voice of the Nations Ministries, Inc. Two international summits took place in 2013 (in cooperation with IBICA), to continue to address the dependency/self-sustainability issue in the global context. The Southern Africa Summit, held in June, achieved goals of pulling together leaders from seven African countries (25 leaders) where we worked diligently on building relationships and addressing the issues of self-sustainability, which is one of BICWM’s major thrusts going forward. The leaders returned to their home context with a new vision and practical goals to work together as a “continent” to carry forward ministry and mission. In early December, our commitment to addressing self-sustainability and dependency was further carried out as we held our first ever Latin American Summit. Over 30 delegates and an additional 30+ guests and staff were in attendance in Costa Rica, as we collaborated on BIC identity, core values, future growth and partnership. It was a time of building new relationships and a commitment to work together as a Latin American region, including Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The strategy and benefits of our appointing three Latin American coordinators has been positively evident. I am blessed by their partnership and investment in these regions. We held an RA/Regional Coordinator/Team Leader Summit in September, to talk about mission and vision, the future of BICWM, and to talk together about a number of team and administrative issues. This gathering held about every 2 years has proven to be beneficial for our leadership team, and promotes a healthy relationship with the home office. BICWM deployed the following Global Workers in 2013. Team-base funded workers Melissa Shumaker - Spain in September Jim and Sonia Bridge - Honduras as STEP directors – October David and Marleen - Middle East in December Self-support missionary Mary Biser - Macha Hospital in Zambia in March Deployment of associate missionaries Eric and Corie Thuma - Macha – August with Push the Rock (sports and discipleship). Bryan and Karah Leaman –Halle, Germany - December –Eastern Mennonite Mission Plans for deployment of other associate missionaries Keith and Sandy Probst –Chile - Eastern Mennonite Mission Barry and Kimberly Horst –Ireland – Operation Mobilization Deployment of a short-term global worker Sara Miller - Nahumba Guest House, Choma, Zambia – January 25 We have a total of 69 global workers on the field, which include Team-Based Funded, Self-support, Covenant and Associate missionaries. Our new 6 week STEP training program concluded with great success in November. For a number of reasons, we’ve moved this training “in house”, and the positive outcomes of this first year have been evident. The four STEPPers are now launched to Honduras with new directors in place. I find it resourceful and life-giving to be a part of several Anabaptist Missions groups, including Mennonite World Conference and Council of International Anabaptist Ministries. There are endless ways of collaboration and partnership available to us as we seek to reach the world for Christ together. I am so blessed for the privilege of serving in the role of Executive Director. Upon reflection of six years of service in this role, I have learned much, grown much, and have been thoroughly blessed with the honor of serving you and the church in this capacity. I look to our future together, as we look forward to unfolding new vision and direction. Scottish medical missionary to Africa, David Livingstone said, “"I'll go anywhere as long as it's forward." As a “futurist”, I echo Livingstone’s declaration. Thank you for the privilege of serving, Rev. Christine A. Sharp Executive Director Equipping for Ministry Report In 2003, the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine established the Equipping for Ministry team to provide theological education for the denomination. Today they offer core courses for those who are or wish to be credentialed as well as lay persons. Given the separation of the Canadian Conference of the BIC from the United States Conference, they are no longer participating in our core courses. Therefore, we did not offer each course twice as in the past 5 years. The one exception was Theology of the Church which was offered twice because of being in different time zones: live-streamed from Kansas and also taught in California. All four core courses are also available in Spanish. Since the turn of the century, they have been taught in California. In 2008 the first Spanish core course was taught in Pennsylvania with each of the subsequent courses being taught in the following three years. 2013 was the first year that a core course was available in Florida. The total core course registrants were 165 with 83 of those enrolled in the Spanish core courses. The on-line Directed Study Program was launched in the Fall 2004. The program follows the academic year calendar: fall, spring and summer. For the first year (2004-2005) the total enrollment was 196 with the 20122013 academic year being 179. Originally begun for pastors without seminary, this program now serves both credentialed persons (by meeting the educational requirements for ordination) and laypersons (who currently comprise over three-quarters of the enrollment.) In the 2013 calendar year, six completed the DSP program which consists of ten required plus two elective courses. They received a BIC certificate with the option of also receiving an Ashland Theological Seminary certificate. Instituto Biblico ZOE is the classroombased Spanish equivalent of the Directed Study Program. Each course has been videotaped and a curriculum developed for participants and for facilitators. Currently four courses are available for use with Spanish speakers anywhere. In addition to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, and California, a number of Central and South American countries have obtained them. 26 One-day Impact Seminars were introduced in 2005. In 2012 there were 41 participants at the Canadian site. This year’s “Us, Them and Jesus: Building Bridges in a World That Thinks Differently” was offered at only six U.S. sites to 171 participants. With a Spanish Impact seminar offered at Mt. Rock BIC and the ee-seminars, the total Impact participation for 2013 was 183. The 2014 seminar on biblical interpretation ((C.R.A.C.K.E.D. Wide Open: the BIC Approach to Scripture) ure) will be offered in each of the U.S. regional conferences including the Southeast for the first time. On December 26, 14 participants left for a 16-day 16 study tour of Israel and Palestine. It was led by Terry and Debra Brensinger. Among the resources available for small group, Sunday School or congregational use are videos and curriculum from past Impact Seminars: Living Simply and Women as Pastors. Later this year we will have Finding Healing and Wholeness in Christ and The Last Days. In Spanish we have Discipulado Dirigdos por Valores,, a workbook to accompany Enfocando Nuestra Fe (Focusing our Faith) in addition to the four ZOE courses: Introduccion a la Biblia, Homiletica, Angelología y Demonología, Pablo: Vida y Epístolas Epístolas. For further information see www.BIC-Church.org/Equipping www.BIC or call Donna Sturr at 717--697-2634. Dorothy J. Gish Dean of Equipping for Ministry Brethren in n Christ Foundation (BICF) 2013 was a great year in many respects. Even though we had to endure a partial government shutdown that affected many folks, and despite the expectation among many advisors of a pullback in the market, return on investments was well above average. We are blessed by God’s provision for us in uncertain times. The Loan Fund of the Foundation continues to be a place where individuals and organizations can assist pastors and congregations with the purchase of facilities. Investment into the fund provides the funds needed to loan at below market rates and in situations where it would otherwise be impossible to t secure financing. Physical plant expansion and improvement projects were strong, with many of our congregations utilizing the Foundation for the necessary funds. This effort was well supported by our church family with the purchases of investment securit securities to make the needed funds available. We are indebted to the investors who support this ministry. The Trust Fund of the Foundation also continues to be a conduit between donors with a heart for giving and the ministries of the church. This year there were again significant gifts made available for ministry. These donors are making use of programs that minimize taxes to provide the maximum benefit to their area of interest and passion. The Foundation partners with BIC churches and organizations to promote promote new sources of funding for ministry and with our BIC people to assist them in financially supporting the ministry of their choice. The Trust Fund is also a place for charitable organizations to pool funds with others for investment purposes. Various investment estment models provide the options needed to invest for different purposes and time frames. In its Matching Grant Program,, the Foundation approved 67 applications in 2013 to fund new outreach initiatives launched by Brethren in Christ congregations. Total reimbursements approved for these grants were just over $40,000.00. The creative ways our congregations are using these funds is just amazing! 27 The BIC Ambassador Program began in 2010 with recruitment of individuals to provide information and sponsorship of the Brethren in Christ ministry agenda. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and believe you will find their efforts helpful and inspiring. During 2014 the focus will be directed to the specific ministries of the Foundation. The Pension Fund of the denomination experienced a great year in investment growth both on the funds held in reserve for the payment of future benefits (DB) and the funds invested in the 403(b) plan (TSA). The Foundation continues to assist the church with the administration of the pension fund and the administration of the new 403(b) plan for pastors and church employees that was put in place at the beginning of 2010. Again, thank you for investing in the ministries of the Brethren in Christ Church and your confidence in the Brethren in Christ Foundation. Your partners in ministry, Elvin H. Peifer CEO Brethren in Christ Foundation Council for Women in Ministry & Leadership All women pastors, credentialed ministers, women in church staff ministry positions, and women working toward pastoral credentialing are invited to our 2nd annual “Pastor’s Day.” We will meet together on Thursday, May 1st for a presentation by Dr. Gwen White, Circle of Hope, and her associate from Eastern College, Executive Dean Debra Heath-Thornton. They will speak on the topic of temptations and trauma of Christian women in leadership. Pastor’s Day will be held at the Elizabethtown BIC Church from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. We hope you can attend this interesting day of conversation and community. The Council hosts Pastor’s Day with no cost to our guests. We hope you will join us. We are also looking forward to our biennial luncheon at General Conference where we will be hearing a dialogue between Bishop Pauline Piefer and Bishop Perry Engle on the issues of women pastors and women in leadership and ministry in the BIC. We will also be installing a new executive committee and celebrating the work of the Council over the last 14 years. At this time, we are in the early planning stages for our next Women at the Well retreat for 2015. Look for upcoming announcements at General Conference for our theme, workshops, dates, and times. At our 2013 retreat Women at the Well: Becoming a Neighbor, we enjoyed a diverse group of women attending, presenting workshops, preaching, and leading worship as we explored new areas to become loving neighbors. We invite all women at any level of ministry or leadership on church staffs or denominational positions, in para-church ministries, and all ministry volunteers to attend Women at the Well. We also invite all women who are searching for God’s leading and direction. As a Council we embrace our vision statement to encourage divinely gifted women to fulfill their call to ministry and leadership. If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions for the Council, please visit our website at www.BIC-Church.org/Women or contact Lois Saylor at lawsaylor@comcast. Respectfully submitted by, Lois A. Saylor Chair, BIC Council for Women in Ministry & Leadership 28 Messiah College Report Messiah College began the 2013-2014 academic year by welcoming 648 first-year students to our campus. We were encouraged by some positive qualitative recruitment trends, including an under-represented student enrollment of 13 percent—our highest percentage on record—and the incoming average SAT score was increased by 15 points from the previous year. Messiah’s international student recruitment and graduate student recruitment have been steadily increasing. This put Messiah’s total starting undergraduate and graduate headcount at 3,084 students, which exceeded last year’s total headcount by 108 students. This year we celebrated the successful completion of the Centennial Campaign—a five-year fundraising campaign with a goal of $40 million—that officially concluded at $46.2 million, exceeding its goal during one of the most difficult national economies in recent memory. The Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, the cornerstone of the Centennial Campaign, opened for campus use in January 2013. The 92,000-squarefoot facility includes outstanding classrooms, offices, rehearsal and performance space for Messiah’s School of the Arts. The centerpiece is Parmer Hall, a 778-seat acoustically stellar performance hall for public concerts, lectures and campus chapel and worship events. The venue includes a masterfully restored pipe organ, as well as a choral terrace for 116 performers. Also within the center is the more intimate High Foundation Recital Hall that is used by student and faculty for recital performances. The College’s board of trustees hosted an official dedication ceremony of the High Center on May 5, 2013. The High Center’s inaugural season throughout the spring and fall included lectures by Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee and editor/author David Brooks. A musical performance highlight was New Orleans jazz legend Wynton Marsalis’ performance with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a 70-voice gospel choir to perform “Abyssinian: A Gospel Celebration” in Parmer Hall before a crowd of 700 guests—an event that drew both regional and national visibility for the College. In August 2013, Messiah launched its newest graduate program, a Master of Science in Nursing. Exceeding its goal of 12 students by enrolling 20 students in the first cohort, it serves as Central Pennsylvania’s only online MSN nurse educator degree program. Also, in keeping with advances in higher education, Messiah’s newly renovated and restructured library—now called the Murray Library and Learning Commons—opened its doors last year to offer group study rooms, technology upgrades, the Café Diem coffee shop and student support services as a onestop location for collaborative and student-centered learning. Last spring, the Messiah community was delighted to learn that both an alumna and a current student had earned Fulbright Awards. Lucy Barnhouse ’08 received the prestigious award to study medieval history in Germany as part of her doctoral studies. Malcolm McDermond ’13, who won a Fulbright U.S. Student Award to assist with English courses in Malaysia, opted to work with the Mennonite Central Committee developing sustainable agriculture in Nepal. In December 2013, Messiah continued to build on its legacy of “pursuing athletic excellence, developing Christian character,” when the men’s soccer team won its tenth NCAA championship. The win for the Falcons secured not only their tenth title in ten national final appearances, but also their second-straight championship and their fifth in the past six seasons! At Messiah College we remain thankful for God’s faithfulness and our continuing covenant relationship with the Brethren in Christ Church to advance our mission “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” Submitted by Kim S. Phipps, President 29 Everence Report 30 REPORT TO BE PLACED AS 2-PAGE PDF (ALREADY IN-HAND) 31 Messiah Lifeways Report Thank you for the opportunity to provide my first report to the General Conference Board. Hopefully you are aware that I have joined the Messiah Lifeways team as President and CEO effective August 12, 2013. I have greatly appreciated the support and encouragement agement of denomination leaders, members and others in BIC-related related organizations. I’m pleased to continue the strong legacy left by Emerson Lesher, and earlier by George Kibler, as we enter this new stage in this organization which seeks to “responsibly enhance enhance the lives of older adults with Christ Christ-like love.” To show the impact our ministry is having on older adults in our service area, here is a summary of some activities in the Messiah Lifeways service area this past year: Across the organization, we saw a 12% increase in the number of persons served by all service lines. In total, 2,685 persons were served by all service lines. Individuals served were predominately from seven counties in South Central PA. The new Messiah Lifeways Coaching service completed completed its first full year, serving 374 individuals through workshops, coach helpline, and discovery coaching sessions. Messiah Lifeways Connections officially launched in January 2013 as a grassroots membership group dedicated to helping members age in place place at home with the help of trusted vendors, a strong social network, volunteer opportunities, and a member helpline. Nearly 100 members joined Connections over the last year. Mount Joy Country Homes completed construction in fall 2013 on 12 new cottages and a new 3,500 square foot community center which includes a large meeting room, library, fitness center, and rehabilitation suite. This active adult cottage community is currently home to 79 residents. Marketing of the next expansion phase has begun. This This phase will include 18 new cottages. Interest in the use of Messiah Lifeways At Home program continues to develop. In the last fiscal year, Messiah Lifeways saw a 26% increase in the number of new clients served. The challenge for this service has been a decrease in the average number of hours of service per client. In July 2013, Messiah Lifeways began sponsoring the senior center in the Shippensburg area. This is the largest and most active senior center in Cumberland County. This is a new geographical area of service from Messiah Lifeways. In addition to these broader activities, here is an update on our Messiah Village campus: Our census in Enhanced Living (Personal Care) has been very strong in 2013 with above above-budgeted percentage points. This can be a slower area to fill due to people delaying making a move so it has been positive to see such strong numbers for this area of living. Residential Living maintains budgeted occupancy numbers while Nursing Care hovers slightly below budget from July to Janu January in the current fiscal year. We feel confident that these numbers will continue to rise as we made internal staffing adjustments and are in the process of several environmental enhancements to our transitional care/short term rehab neighborhood. 32 We provide over $4.5 million of benevolent care for residents who cannot pay their full way at Messiah Lifeways. We are grateful to provide this charitable benefit, as it supports our mission and values. We are also pleased that a number of our programs like Mount Joy Country Homes, Connections, At Home and Adult Day are accessible to a wide spectrum of income groups. Messiah Lifeways is a ministry providing services for many. At Messiah Village, some residents have outlived their financial resources, but development activities over the years have provided security for these. Generous donors once again added to the Endowment Fund for benevolent care so all residents, regardless of their ability to pay, receive services enhancing their lives. Our endowment as of June 30, 2013 was $14.5 million, and we used $675,000 from the proceeds to help offset some of this charitable obligation. We are very appreciative to you, our brothers and sisters in Christ, who share this journey by including Messiah Lifeways in your charitable giving plans. Recognizing the ever-evolving relationship between hospitals and nursing facility providers paired with our strong commitment to be the provider of choice, we have invested in staff education and equipment to maximize our service offerings. For example: o Our therapy department beats national averages! For orthopedic services, Messiah Village averages 19 days of therapy compared to a national average of 27 days. As a result, we are able to serve many more residents seeking short-term rehab care with a successful transition back to home. These numbers and others are the result of greater therapy minutes being provided each day. o We increased our clinical competency and now have three team members certified to insert PICC and Midlines for IV medication administration. All Messiah Village residents had opportunity to participate in a satisfaction survey in the fall of 2013. We have since received the feedback from Holleran, the company who administered the questionnaire for our community as well as over 230 similar communities across the nation. Messiah Village received Highest Honors for achieving scores that exceed the 90th percentile of Holleran’s National Benchmark for multiple Independent Living survey factors. We have begun implementation of our strategic repositioning plan on the Messiah Village campus. Phase 1 of the plan includes construction of a new apartment building, increasing the number of private rooms for nursing care, and adding some larger-sized rooms to our enhanced living program. The new design will include a new Wellness Center, with a larger pool and fitness area. These changes will allow us to address the changing demands for aging services in a manner that makes sense from a financial feasibility standpoint. This project will take several years to come to fruition, but you should be hearing more about it in the next 12-18 months. We are pleased that our expanding network of options for individuals 55 and better allows us to serve even more older adults--including Brethren in Christ persons--across south central PA. We realize some may choose to age in place in their homes while others choose to move to one of our two resident communities. Regardless of where they may call home, we are pleased to serve many persons who are 55 and better in a variety of ways. Again, thank you for your interest in Messiah Lifeways, and we look forward to ministering together in the year ahead. Curtis D. Stutzman President/CEO 33 Part IV: Confirmations Confirmation of Trustees of Local Church Property Church Term Expired (or Resigned) Elected Amherst Ashland David Kratz Sheila Ohler Sheila Tyson Morven Baker Karen Dohner Lajane Moore Gail Steigerwalt Richard Ohler Gary Inman Mike Hatfield Ken Meinsma Devon Weaver [Vacancy] Daniel Horwitz Brad Davies Richard Cobb Eunice Steinbrecher Stewart Domer Sheila Tyson Darla Whyel Gail Steigerwalt Karen Dohner Jeffrey Moore Eleanor Wynn Ruth Homuth Charmaine Beers Mike Hatfield Robert Deter Gene Zercher Gary Mitchell Daniel Horwitz Brad Davies Bruce Kells Eunice Steinbrecher Russ Price Bernie Weldy Carland-Zion Gethsemane Morrison Nappanee New Vision Pleasant Hill Union Grove 34 2017 2016 2015 2015 2017 2015 2017 2014 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2015 2017 2017 2016 2017 2017 Confirmation of Nominees Board of Directors Scrutinizers of The 2014 Minutes Term Expiring (or Resigned) Sheri Simpson (2014) Cal Hamblin (2014) Nominee Sheri Simpson (2015) Chuck Burkett (2015) Nominating Committee Board of Directors Term Expiring (or Resigned) David Weisel (2014) Nominee David Weisel (2017) Congregational Growth Team Term Expiring (or Resigned) Mike Beach (2014) Greg Laudermilt (2016) Nominee Mike Beach (2017) Malinda Oakes (2016) RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEAM Term Expiring (or Resigned) Daniele Rossi (2014) Tanya Bundenthal (2014) Chuck Burkett (2014) Nominee Kathi Sipes (2017) Grady Robinson (2017) Sandy Grimshaw (2017) 35 Additional Resources Conference Statistical Report 36 Conference Financial Report 37 Conference Prayer Calendar 38 Conference Map 39
